Introducing Your Pooch to a New Pooch

I’ve been asked many times what I look for when adopters bring their dogs to meet the dogs we have here.  Well, it’s pretty easy to tell you first what will result in a no-go and work my way back up to where I’d be happy with a placement.

First is the worst scenario.  Two dogs meet, one or both either snarls, growls, snaps or actually lunges.  Posturing, or stiffening up, is also a sign of non-acceptance of the other dog.  One dog may walk stiff legged or put it’s hackles up to show the other one who’s boss or one may mark the territory over and over again to “claim” it.  There may be varying degrees of this – either with one dog or both dogs but, in any case, there is definitely not a match here.

The second scenario is that either or both dogs LOVE the people but completely ignore each other.  Now, some may say that’s ok but it actually isn’t.  Dogs are much like children.  Each will vie for the owner’s attention, and if there’s a competitor for that attention, that dog will act out.  Often times it’s soiling the house or doing damage at some point.  This is not a love match, but a parallel existence.  The other dog doesn’t matter and they will probably not be great friends.  I’d still say no on this type of meeting.

The third scenario, and actually the one we look for, is the I LOVE YOU scenario.  Each dog acts as if the other dog were its life-long buddy that has been away for Sooooooo long. There’s a lot of tail wagging, happy wrestling, ball sharing and spit swapping going on.  Each dog’s posture is relaxed and playful and it’s an obvious match.

Now, there are variations of each of these scenarios, but in the end, we look for the last one to be the most prevalent. Some dogs take longer to warm up which is why it is a good idea to plan on about a half an hour for the dogs to be together (unless you see obvious aggression).

So happy meet-and-greets!!!

Pet Promise

Dear Liz – My kids have really been bugging me to get a puppy for Christmas but how do I know they’re ready for this kind of responsibility?

Signed,

Concerned in Coventry

Dear Concerned –

Some friends of ours had the same concerns a few years back.  Their kids were younger and they were concerned that the kids would not be responsible enough for taking care of a pup, so they came up with a great plan.

Have the kids take care of a stuffed dog / cat for the next month.  Have them “feed” it, “walk” it, etc.  Take a dark towel and put it in the yard every day and make one of their jobs to “pick up” after the dog.  If that towel stays in the same spot, you know they’re not doing it.  Or, if it’s a kitten you’re thinking about, put pieces of paper (label them “poop”) in a box (simulating a litter box).

Do as much “pretending” as you feel is necessary to assure you that they’re ready for a new pet.  Having a pet is a huge responsibility, so in addition to the month-long project, try having them sign a “contract”.

This is a contract that everyone has to sign and it’s binding!!  It’s called a Pet Promise and it can be found on Petfinder.com (or just click on it below)

http://www.petfinder.com/common/documents/pdf/petpromise/petPromise-holidays-09.pdf

It’s a way that you and the kids can see the realities of owning a new pet, and it’s a way to make sure that pet is taken care of!

So if they DO pass the test and they’ve agreed to abide by the rules of the contract, I think you can be assured they’re ready for a new pet!  Good luck!

Pets For Christmas

Dear Liz, My kids have been bugging me to get them a pet for Christmas.  I know you’re against it, but what should I do?

Signed,

Tired Mom in Monroe…

Dear Mom, yep – I am completely against getting a pet for anyone for Christmas!  These pets, so often purchased as last minute gifts, often end up in shelters when the newness wears off and the reality of caring for them sets in.

I will tell you what I tell anyone who calls me looking for a pet as a gift.  DO NOT DO IT!

Instead, wrap up a bowl, a leash, a collar or a toy representing the animal you want to give.  Write a note or some sort of certificate that states that you and the recipient will, AFTER Christmas, go together and pick out a new friend.  This will be a wonderful day for both of you and one you’ll never forget.

Remember, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas!!!

Non-Profit Donations

Dear Liz – Last week you talked about giving to animal rescues in honor of someone for Christmas.  Can you tell me how to tell if a rescue is reputable?

Signed,

Santa’s Helper in Simsbury

Dear Santa’s Helper:

There are basically three things I want you to look for.

1. Is the rescue a registered, non-profit organization?  Check their web site, call the IRS or ask them.  If you don’t get a clear answer, move on.

Being a non-profit organization means that they’re registered with the IRS.  It means that they’ve fulfilled all the requirements set forth by the State of CT (and there are a lot!) and that they’re not just one person running the show.  The state requires that there be at least (I think!) 5 people involved in running the organization.

1. Call the animal control officer in the town that the rescue is based on and ask if there have been any complaints against them.

Most times they will be able to tell you.  But make sure you ask!  If the animal control officer says wonderful things about them, it’s generally a good thing!

1. Can you actually talk with someone from the organization and are the animals they have actually here, in CT, or are they somewhere in another state?

I always shy away from an organization that I can only talk with via

e-mail.  If they don’t offer a phone number to chat with a real person, I wonder why.  I also wonder about a group that doesn’t actually have the pets here, in CT.

Hope that helps!!!

Holiday Ideas!

Well, it’s Ho-Ho-Holiday time again!  Wondering where all that Christmas Spirit went as you get pushed, pulled and prodded through the lines at the cash register?  I have no idea where it went and it’s sure disappointing.  Christmas time is supposed to be a time of giving from the heart – not a time of beating up your co-shopper to get that last present!

So I have an idea.  Well, it’s not a new one – I’ve been plugging it every year!  Instead of giving someone something they don’t need or don’t really want (and getting that “Oh, how nice!” response when they open your package), why not give them the Spirit of Christmas?

It’s easy!  And it’s actually rewarding (in more than one way!)…  Each year I pick a few charities that I like (making sure they’re registered, non-profits) and give donations on behalf of someone.

For my critter-loving friends, I give to a breed rescue associated with a favorite dog or cat they have, or had.  I have friends who had a Mini Schnauzer they loved very dearly.  So I thought why not give a donation to a national Schnauzer rescue?  Or why not give to, say, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine on behalf of their beloved buddy, who died of cancer?

For those, like me, who always wanted a horse but could never afford one or have the space for one, I picked Second Chance Ranch, Equine Rescue!  Any organization that helps save horses (or other equines) from certain death is ok by me!

Love a mutt?  What about an animal rescue dedicated to any breed (like Bandit’s Place!)? As long as they’re registered, non-profit (501c3 is the technical term and they should be able to give you their number if you ask for it), it’s a good thing!  Not sure about a certain rescue?  Call the animal control officer in the town the rescue is located in and make sure there are no issues with them.

Love birds?  Audubon Society or any local bird rescue (check them out carefully, too!) would be glad to have your donation!

Now, once you’ve decided on a rescue (Save the Whales?), send the donation.  It does not matter how much – they don’t let the giver know how much you’ve donated.  You should get back a note and one to give to your recipient.  Wrap it up in a pretty box and proudly hand it over to your person.

And know, too, that you receive as well from this gift!  You have given a tax-deductible donation to a non-profit charity!  Hey, we can ALL use a tax break.  Why not take advantage of it?

Got questions locating a charity you want to give to?  Look it up on line!  So go forth with confidence.  Smile at all those people standing in line with grumpy faces, clutching their latest “he’d BETTER like this &()*&@#$” gift.  YOU have given The Christmas Spirit!  Maybe next year, your recipient will be inspired to give The Christmas Spirit as well and we can FINALLY get rid of all the grumpies in line!!!

Happy Turkey Day!

Well, it’s here again. That day that we all stuff ourselves with turkey, jello, stuffing, potatoes, bread, pudding, pies and other assorted items.  But what about the critters?  Don’t THEY deserve some giblets and dessert?  NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I know, I know – the urge is there.  Slip Fido a bit of turkey under the table.  Kitty needs those giblets for her coat!  Well, all I can say is…..NOOOO!!!  Well, MAYBE….

Fact is, dogs and cats eat meat.  But with all that we put onto or into our meats, their delicate tummies just can’t handle it.  So if you ARE thinking of giving Fido or Kitty some turkey, PLEASE make sure it is NOT seasoned.  And PLEASE don’t give them ANY BONES!  Turkey bones are hollow and they will splinter and puncture allll the way down.  And don’t feed them a huge amount or it will overload their systems and, well, you’ll hear about it later…

Now, as for the jello, pudding, potatoes, etc., that are still being drooled over?  FORGET IT!  Too many spices in those for the critters.  They will lead to diarrhea and possible vomiting, neither of which (I’m quite sure) you want to deal with on a full stomach (or any stomach for that matter!)…

And remember, too, that left-overs cooling on the counter or table can easily be accessed by Fido or Kitty, so make SURE they’re SECURE before you go back to the table for a nice cup of coffee….  A friend’s Irish Setter once made off with an entire turkey while no one was watching…. Veterinary Emergency clinics will be open, but they ARE expensive!!  So think before you leave that un-guarded food around!!!

 

So after the eating is done (or even before it’s begun!), some folks have the urge to go for a walk!  WONDERFUL idea!  Some even go for a HIKE in the woods!  AWESOME idea!  Remember, though, that it is hunting season and your little poochie can look an awful lot like a deer bounding through those woods.  Not in a hunting area?  Maybe not but there are hunters out there who aren’t in a hunting area, either (for what ever reason)…  So best bet?  Have Fido (AND you) wear ORANGE.  The universal “DON’T SHOOT ME” color..  And if you hear shots fired, you’re probably close enough to get hit by stray gunfire, so it’s recommended that you get out of the area.

With all that in mind, Bandit’s Place wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday!

 

Old Dogs

Dear Liz;  We’ve been thinking of getting  a puppy as our current dog is getting on in years but we’ve been told this might not be a great idea.  What are your thoughts?

Signed,

Puppy Love in Plymouth

Dear Puppy Love;

I get this question a lot, actually, and my opinion is the same every time.  Give your current, old dog, the respect and care he deserves for the time he has left.

Too many times people want to bring a new, bouncy puppy into their home so that their old dog can “teach it” manners, etc. and it usually ends up a disaster for everyone, especially the old pooch.

Think about putting a 3 year old child (a WILD child, at that!) with your great grandmother to care for and “teach”.  How quickly do you think Great Gram is gonna boot that baby out the door?  You’re asking an old dog to do things that are just beyond him.

Puppies are rambunctious, nippy and all around high energy creatures.  Old dogs don’t need that constant pestering that puppies bring with them.

The puppy’s constant playfulness can really, really stress out your old dog and can actually lead to the puppy getting hurt.  Old dogs only have so much patience and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

So wait until your dog has passed on, with you by his side letting him know how much you’ve loved him, before you consider bringing a tornado into your home.  Old dogs deserve the same respect and peaceful existence that old people deserve.  We forget that, sometimes.

 

 

 

Heartworm In Pets

Dear Liz;

A few weeks ago you were talking about a dog your rescue was helping who had heartworm. Can you please explain what heartworm is?

Signed, Curious in Canton

Dear Curious:

Heartworm is a blood parasite (worm) that lives in the heart of dogs and cats and can be deadly if not treated.

The parasite enters the body via a mosquito bite. The mosquito introduces the filaria into the animal’s blood stream. From there the filaria travel to the heart of the animal and there they start to develop. As the filaria grow, they start to take up more and more space, literally choking off the blood supply through the heart. If left untreated, the heartworm, which actually looks like spaghetti, will kill the pet.

Now, there are tests to see if your pet has been exposed but it is much easier to tell in the dog than it is in the cat. The tests for cats are generally not reliable enough and there is no treatment for heartworm in cats. So, if your cat does contract heartworm, it will most likely die.

There are several stages of heartworm. The lower the stage (1-2), the less likely health risks to the dog will be permanent. The higher the stage (3-4) the more permanent the damage is that occurs to major organs. If caught and treated at the lower stages, the dog should not have any lasting effects and can live a normal, happy life.

Treatment of heartworm consists of injecting medication into the dog and keeping the dog EXTREMELY quiet for the next 6 weeks. It often involves keeping the dog in a crate for the 6 week period, taking it out for bathroom breaks and eating only. Treatment for heartworms can run up to $700.00 or more.

The reason for the extreme quiet is that once the treatment has begun, the heartworms are killed and the body needs to re-absorb them, which usually takes 6 weeks. Any increase in blood-pressure (or activity) to the dog will make the heart have to work harder and the dead heartworms can actually cause a blockage, causing a stroke or death in the dog.

So, in the long run, prevention is much less costly than treatment. And prevention is easy with the chewable tablets, etc., that can be given monthly to both dogs and cats. Hope that answers your question!

And Maggie, the dog being treated through the generosity of our Channel 3 viewers, is doing GREAT! I get updates from her owners who say that it’s very tough keeping her quiet but that everyone (including Maggie) is cooperating! I’ll keep everyone posted as Maggie’s treatment continues.

Halloween Hazards

Dear Liz,

Every Halloween I hear the warning about giving chocolate to dogs. Is the warning a myth or fact? Can a little chocolate be ok for fido?

Signed, Coco

Dear Coco (or should I call you Punkin!): NO, NO, NO!!! Chocolate (or any caffeinated item) can be VERY dangerous to your dog OR cat! Anything with caffeine in it (tea, coffee, chocolate, etc) can even be deadly.

So, too, can be sugar-free gum or other sugar-free items. We have a dog at home now who got into the sugar-free gum my 8 year old daughter hid in her room. (Don’t ALL kids hide stuff in their rooms?) Anyway, Piggie got into the gum and we had to induce vomiting to get the gum OUT of her. Long, LONG night we had there!

So with Halloween just around the corner, PLEASE, PLEASE make sure your children give you ALL the candy and keep it up in a high place, inaccessible to your pets. Candy is for KIDS, not for PETS!

This reminds me, too, that while trick-or-treating is a lot of fun for kids, it’s not so much fun for your pets. Strange costumes, strange people, weird noises, doors constantly opening and closing, doorbells ringing, pumpkins lit with candles, etc., can all be extremely stress-inducing for the pets (not to mention a fire hazard!). Please, please, please keep pets inside, in separate rooms where they can be calm and away from potential hazards.

We all want to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Halloween. Let’s make it a safe one for everyone!! Keep your pets OUT of the spirit!

Cat Box Blues

Dear Liz:  We decided to ad another cat to our family of 3 already.  However, since we’ve had him, someone has been peeing outside the litter box.  What should we do?

Signed,

Grossed Out in Goshen

Dear Grossed Out:

You’ve heard the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup”?  Well, too many cats spoil the house!

Actually, what’s happening is that there is an upset in the feline balance and someone is complaining in a way to get noticed.

If you can pinpoint which cat is doing it, make sure there are no medical reasons why kitty is doing this.  If medical reasons are ruled out, it’s probably a behavioral thing.

First, put litter boxes on every floor of the house, including the basement.  The cats are trying to tell you that there are too many cats for the boxes you have.  The rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than you do cats.  For multiple cat households, though, this can be an issue!  Here a box, there a box, everywhere a box, box!

Then make sure the litter is the unscented kind and scoop it daily.  Cats can get very territorial and each one requires it’s own “personal space” in order to be happy.  Keeping the box clean helps the cats not get territorial over using it (or NOT using it!).

If things don’t improve or the situation starts getting violent, it may be time to take the new kitty back.

As with every situation that may result in someone being evicted, talk with your veterinarian to see if they have other solutions not mentioned here.